INFANT Supports Local Families and Babies Through First Thousand Days

The world-leading early intervention INFANT Program that works to establish healthy eating and active play habits for first-time families and their babies is now available for our community at Yarrawonga Health.

INfant Feeding, Active Play and NuTrition (INFANT), developed by child health experts and health professionals at Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), provides Victorian families with structured advice to guide healthy habits.

INFANT includes four face-to-face group sessions in conjunction with the My Baby Now app which is available for download now! INFANT aims to gives families a credible, trusted information to establish positive lifestyle behaviours from the start of life.

Families who participated in the original INFANT research between 2008 and 2010 reported better dietary habits, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water and fewer sugar sweetened beverages and sweet snacks; as well as reduced television viewing time. These effects were maintained or improved as children got older.

Kirsty Paul, Accredited Practising Dietitian, from Yarrawonga Health, says “INFANT supports parents in promoting healthy eating and active play behaviours in the early stages of their child’s life. This includes responding to baby cues, the introduction of solids, tummy time and also creates a group environment where experiences, strategies and tips can be shared between parents”.

Sessions will be run in August, October, February and May each year.

If you are interested in joining INFANT contact Moira Maternal and Child Health (MCH) on 03 5871 9275 or mch@moira.vic.gov.au